If it is too small, the helmet will feel too tight. I mostly go by the sizing on the brow. If you move your helmet up and down and your eye brows move with it it fits good. Im sure other ppl will have more advice

 

Once you start using it, you will sweat in it and the padding will flatten down a bit.

 

I'm not sure how to answer 6gears. What you have said about proper fit was what I was taught. I think once you get those things accomplished it becomes personal preference. I would go as snug as you are comfortable. I wear a thin bellaclava under my helmet in cold weather & now prefer the tighter fit. I'll go a bit tighter on my next lid...shouldn't be too tough, I'm a XXXL.:lol:

 

One thing to keep in mind is that not all helmets or heads are shaped alike, sometimes not even different model helmets from the same manufacture are shaped the same. So if you wear a M in one brand it could be a better fit in a S or L with a different make or even model. Some manufactures sell different thickness cheek pads or liner parts to aid in fit. It should be comfortable, no uncomfortable pressure points and snug enough that if someone tries to pull side to side on the mouth guard while you're wearing it your head moves and not the helmet on your head.

 

OK then I guess I'll just keep it. I've been trying it on over and over just to make sure because it's tighter than I'm used to but I think that's just because it actually fits better than my basic CL-15. It will probably break in well. Only 2 more months until I can try it out :lol: . Thanks.

 

go and try a zillion differnt ones on

 

im normally a med on both icon and hjc lids but i recently tried on a large shoei and it fit well........... thought that was weird. Guess every brand does that blue is right about after a few uses they tend to open up a bit.

 

My first helmet was a HJC large fit well, then I switched to Fulmer and large was too big. Now I have a Icon large and it fits perfect, was a little tight at first but loosened up after you wear it acouple rides.

 

It's all about personal preference and the shape of your noggin.

I have tried different helmets and always go back to Arai.

 

if u shake ur head and it moves its to big after it wears in a bit a lilwiggle is ok, but think if u take a spill you dont want head rattling around.

 

Sharp (Uk equivalent of Dot/snell)
FITTING GUIDE

We recommend you invest time trying on as many helmets as possible. Once you’ve found those that fit you best, you can then choose the helmet with the highest SHARP rating for the best possible protection.
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*Every head shape is different, so we’ve pulled together some tips to help you choose the right fit.

1. GET MEASURED

Your safety is too important to simply guess your size. Before trying on any helmets you need to make sure you know your exact head size. Measure around your head just above the ears and take a measurement at the forehead. This measurement is a good starting point and will correspond with a particular brand's size (always bear in mind a medium in one brand may be different to medium in another). Getting the right fit is paramount, so don't be tempted to go for another size if your dream helmet is out of stock.

2. TRY IT ON

Ok, so you've chosen a helmet to try. Now place it firmly on your head, securing the chin strap so you can fit two fingers between the helmet and your jaw. If the helmet has a quick release buckle then take your time adjusting the strap. Once on, you should be able to feel the helmet against the whole of your head - without feeling ‘pressure points' or the helmet leaving red marks. Once you're happy, keep it on for a few minutes to make sure it's comfortable.

3. CHECK THE FIT

Secure the strap and try rotating the helmet from side-to-side. If you're wearing a full face helmet your cheeks should follow the helmet's movement, while remaining in contact with the cheek pads firmly and comfortably. If the helmet moves or slips on your head it's probably the wrong size. Next, try tilting the helmet forwards and backwards. Again, if it moves or slips it's probably the wrong size.

4. WILL IT STAY ON?

You want to know the helmet you buy will stay firmly on your head in a crash. Make sure the chinstrap is done up and tilt your head forward. Ask someone to try and roll the helmet off your head by carefully pushing up from the rear of the helmet at its base. If you can roll it off in the showroom, then it's sure to come off in a crash.

 

I've read all of the fitment guides and measured my head. According to the HJC size chart I'm somewhere between medium and large. The helmet shape is fine and it definitely isn't too big. My only question was how to tell if it's too small. I don't know the difference between properly snug and too small. If it's going to loosen up after a while then I probably have the right size.

 

Try removing the cheek pads (they should just unsnap) and see how it fits. I have a problem with "fish mouth" with a lot of helmets. If the tightness is in the cheek pads, different thickness pads are availble. Since they are a little pricey ($26 or so) I usually try pulling the foam from the original pad and cutting it down with and electric knife, or a pair of scissors. I figure if they don't fit me, but die in the surgery, no loss.

 

If it's too tight you might be a little lightheaded, it will literally restrict blood flow to your head and be really uncomfortable, if its just squeezing the face a bit, it will break in and give you the most comfy fit in a few weeks.